Check your closet for clothes and accessories that you still might be able to wear, at least during the early part of your pregnancy.

Once your regular clothes start to get tight, make sure that your clothes size keeps up with your expanding body. There’s no point in trying to squeeze into an outfit that is now too tight.

See what you can borrow:

• Relatives and friends are often happy to loan their maternity clothes.
  
  
• Check your husband’s closet for some shirts, sweaters, shorts, and other items that might accommodate your expanding abdomen.

If you’re going to purchase something new, try to be practical:

• Choose separates that can be mixed and matched to provide you with a variety of looks.
  
  
• Consider purchasing some pieces, such as oversized blouses or sweaters, that you’ll be able to wear post-pregnancy.
  
  
• Easy-to-button blouses may come in particularly handy during those first postpartum weeks if you are breastfeeding.

When buying maternity clothes, you will likely be happiest with those that are in a style similar to what you wear when you are not pregnant. Adjusting to your new body shape may be easier if you are wearing clothes that fit your usual style.

Don’t buy all of your maternity wardrobe at once. You won’t know how big you will be in the third trimester, so save some of your maternity clothing budget for a shopping trip later in your pregnancy.

Natural fibers, such as cotton, tend to be more comfortable than synthetic ones, such as polyester, because they “breathe.” These natural fibers may keep you cooler—a plus since your increased metabolic rate is likely to make you feel warmer while you are pregnant.

Avoid any clothing that is snug, such as tight waistbands and socks with tight bands, because it may slow your circulation and increase swelling.

As you get bigger, you may become more unsteady on your feet. Flat or low-heeled shoes with non-slip soles are your safest choice for footwear. They should provide good support and be sufficiently roomy, since your feet may swell a bit during pregnancy.

A properly fitted bra that gives firm support is a maternity wardrobe essential. Since your breasts may enlarge substantially during pregnancy, you may need to go up a size or two. If you are thinking of breastfeeding, you may want to purchase and begin wearing nursing bras as you get closer to your due date.